Saying Hey

Catching up. Well, Mom and I are on our way to Hawaii to meet the guy who fits into these boots. I can't wait to show him how big I have gotten and to go through my extensive vocabulary. That shouldn't take long. Then we can go start having fun.

Speaking of fun. Mom and I went to my buddy, Ethan's Birthday Party. He is also one. Isn't it great that we born in the same month. The party was at the beach and we had a great time, although I am not sure about all this sand, but I sure do like the shades.

Here is Ethan getting a lot of help with eating his cake. He didn't know what to do with the cake at first, but once he got his hands into it he had a great time.

Well it has finally gotten back to normal around here after our heat wave. I am glad. Mom was using up a lot of gas driving around and shopping trying to stay cool. With the cooler temperatures, I can now wear my new patriotic PJs that Mimi sent me. Look Mom, no hands. The PJs are a little big, Mimi, but I'll grow into them. Mimi also sent me this very pratical bib. Not only is it plastic and washable in the sink, it has this cool tray in the bottom where I can keep all kinds of goodies until I can get around to them.

Well, I can't wait to see my Dad and I can't wait for him to see me. It won't be long now. I hope you are having as great a day as me and Mom. Talk to you all again soon and I'll tell you all about my trip. Thomas

My First Birthday

These are my buds and me, and our Moms. Our Dads are away serving our country, but they will be home soon. We can hardly wait for them to see how much we have grown since they left. Hey Dad, I can say my first words and I hope to be walking by the time I see you. Oh, don't be sad or worried, I still have a lot of growing up to do, and you can't be gone for all of it.

My grandma Mimi and Gator came to see me and Mom in California. They did a lot of things around the house including buy a new grill. Our old one had just about had it. Now we can have all kinds of parties and invite friends over for cook outs. You know I love to eat. Speaking of parties, while my grandparents were here, since they could not stick around until today, we had an early birthday party. Did I forget to mention that today is my birthday? I am now officially '1'. Anyway, while Mimi and Gator were here, we invited my friends and families over for an early birthday. I am not sure what all the fuzz is about. I expect to have a lot more of these. However, I did enjoy the cake and getting presents. Even though I think I enjoyed the wrapping almost as much as what was inside.

While Mimi and Gator were here, we also went to the zoo. I had a great time although I think I am a little too small to appreciate everything that was there to see. I did enjoy the big animals, like this Rhino. It was hard to miss.

I also saw some funny looking animals they called Murcats. They looked sort of like furry range chickens, standing on their hind legs, sticking their necks out as far as they could, and looking all around like they were expecting someone with a big mallet to come knock them back into their hole at any minute. They were funny.

I also got to see the Pandas. They looked like cute little toys. I could not touch the real Panda that was behind the fence, but I did get to meet a two legged Panda that was loose walking around the zoo greeting guest. It was a lot of fun, and I think that it enjoyed seeing me as much as I did seeing it. I can't wait to go back.

Well, I hope you are having a great time on my Birthday. I know I sure am. Love, Thomas

Visit to Texas

Sorry it has been so long, but the IT virus got me. A lot has been happening since I last updated you. For example, today is my first birthday. Hooray! Unfortunately, I have to celebrate mainly with Mom, 'cause Dad is still gone. He'll be home soon though. We got to talk to him when the ship he was on was in port. It was great to hear his voice. I can't wait 'til he sees me and Mom.

One of my birthday gifts from my Aunt Brandi and Uncle Seth is electronic, and when it shuts down it says 'bye-bye'. That's my new favorite and only word. Now I say 'bye-bye' to anyone who says 'bye-bye' to me. Won't Dad be glad to hear I am starting to talk. I am also working hard at trying to walk and may be walking before he gets home. One could only hope.

Well, let's see what has transpired since I last wrote. For one thing, Mom and I took a long weekend and went to Texas to meet my cousin Susan Kate. We stayed with my Uncle Alex and Aunt Kimberly. Granma 'aka Mimi' Jane and Grandad Gator even came for the party. We had a great time. Here I am with my cousin.

While in Texas, Susan Kate and I even got to go swimming. I love to swim, however, I don't think the same holds true for my cousin Susan Kate. Well at least not yet.

Another friend I met at Uncle Alex's was their dog Bucky. Me and Mom just have a cat at our house, named Rudy, who is nice enough, but not near the size of Bucky. Anyway I was showing off my mobility by trying to catch Bucky where ever he went. Gator said I was doing a good job of preparing Bucky for when Susan Kate starts crawling. Anyway Bucky and I had a great time, as long as I stayed out of his food bowl.

Here is a picture of me and Susan Kate with Gator. Aren't we something?